We all know how busy and fast paced a school day is, before you know it the bell is ringing for home time and you are reaching for the cupcake on the staffroom table for a little boost. For all staff who work in a school, finding the time to ensure that breaks are properly taken and nutritious food is consumed can sometimes be lower down on the priority list – but it doesn’t have to be this way!
Looking after our health should be a whole school approach. Leaders should ensure that healthy choices, appropriate facilities and education around nutrition is available to all staff as well as ensuring that good practice of taking adequate breaks and eating foods that boost energy and concentration are promoted. Too often we hear of school staff not taking breaks because there is always something to do but if we aren’t careful we can find ourselves showing symptoms of burnout and fatigue.
Here are some ideas for quick, easy and nutritious snacks to see you through the busy day:
Hard boiled eggs
Full of protein, lean, filling and packed with vitamin D
Cheese
30g gives you ¼ of your daily calcium, full of protein and good source of B vitamins
Nuts
Great source of fibre, rich in antioxidants and keep you feeling full
Bananas
Full of energy giving carbohydrates and potassium known to reduce blood pressure and support blood sugar levels (try it with apple or banana)
Peanut butter
Source of vitamin B3 which boosts your brain and supports your memory
Smoothies
Prepare the evening before using left over fruit and veg, yoghurt, milk, frozen fruit – the taste journeys are endless!
I am not suggesting that the treats in the staffroom are curbed, far from it!
For those that provide the treats, why not substitute some of them for healthier choices, a bag of satsumas or some super energy bursting bananas to be inclusive of healthier options.
The added bonus is the promotion of healthy choices that you will pass onto your pupils, this will encourage good habits and help embed those important messages about looking after yourself and your health.
We hope these healthy eating tips give you a boost to help you through the day. If you would like some more inspiration to promote healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, or any other aspect of wellbeing, explore our One Wellbeing service to find out how we can help.
